In the period of the Warring States(475-222B.C.),Chao and Ch’in were neighboring states and were often fighting against each other. But within the Chao court there were two very capable men, a military commander named Lien P’o and a civilian officer by the name of Lin Hsiang-ju. Because of these two men, the State of Ch’in did not dare launch a full-scale invasion against Chao.

    Originally Lin Hsiang-ju’s position was far inferior to General Lien P’o’s. But later on, Lin Hsiang-ju was assigned as an ambassador to Ch’in and he acquired a diplomatic victory for the Chao state. Because of this, the Chao king began to assign him to more important posts and soon his position was higher than Lien P’o’s. Lien P’o was very unwilling to accept this. He told his subordinates that he would find an opportunity to humiliate Lin Hsiang-ju.

    When Lin Hsiang-ju heard of this, he avoided the general at every chance. One day , one of Lin Hsiang-ju ‘s men said to him, “General Lien P’o  has only said these things, but you have become so afraid. We feel very humiliated and want to resign.”

    Lin Hsiang-ju asked them, “If you were to compare General Lien P’o and the Ch’in King, who would be more prestigious?”

    “Of course General Lien P’o cannot compare with the King of Ch’in!” they replied.

    “Right!” he exclaimed. “And when I was an ambassador to Ch’in I had the courage to denounce a man as prestigious as him right to his face. Therefore, I have no fear of General Lien P’o! The State of Ch’in dares not attack Chao because of General Lien P’o and myself. If the two of us are at odds with each other, Ch’in will take advantage of that opportunity to invade us. The interests of the country come first with me and I am not going to haggle with Lien P’o because of personal hostilities!”

    Later, Lien P’o heard these words and felt extremely ashamed. He tore off his shirt, and with a birchen rod tied to his back, he went to Lin Hsiang-ju’s home to request retribution for his own wrongdoing. Lin Hsiang-ju modestly helped Lien P’o up from the ground and held his hand firmly.

    From that time on, Lien P’o and Lin Hsiang-ju became close friends and served their country with a common heart.

Carrying A Birchen Rod To Ask For Punishment 負荊請罪 -to offer a humble apology.

(Copy from The Overseas Chinese Library,Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission. The Republic of China)